_Alina's POV_
Alaric's eyes widened in alarm. "What do you mean? How do you feel?"
I tried to speak, but a wave of pain crashed over me, making it impossible. My body felt like it was on fire, every nerve ending sparking with electricity. I doubled over, clutching my stomach as the power within me intensified.
"Alina!" Alaric's voice was filled with panic. He held me tightly, trying to steady me as my body began to convulse. "Stay with me. We'll get through this."
"Alaric, you have to stay away from me," I managed to say through gritted teeth. "I don't want to hurt you."
"No way," he said firmly, his grip tightening. "I'm not leaving you."
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and braced myself for the transformation to take over. The pain was unbearable, like my bones
